Rabari Damchiya Dowry Chest From Kutch - Ca 1920 Period - Meiji The Gonds / Khonds /

The Gonds / Khonds / Kondhs once made human sacrifices to the earth goddess (Tari Pennu or Bera Pennu) as part of the Meriah festival to ensure good crops

The beautiful arch is of typical Moghul style and is found throughout India

Below is a glazed torma offering in an upturned skull on the left door and another trio of torma in a bowl on the right door

Materials: Teak with glass panel

which can't be verified

Rabari Damchiya Dowry Chest From Kutch - Ca 1920 Period - Meiji The Gonds / Khonds /This dramatic Indian teak dowry chest is from the Rabari tribe of Kutch and dates to the 1920's. Locally these chests are called 'damchiya'. It is in its original unpolished condition, chip carved and embellished with small mirrors. Traditionally the brides family had to offer gifts known as dowry to the bridegrooms family if they were to find a good husband for their daughter. Dowry was normally gold jewellery and silk saris but sometimes brass